Cyanea konahuanuiensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyanea konahuanuiensis |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyanea
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| Species: |
konahuanuiensis
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The Cyanea konahuanuiensis is a very special plant. It is also known by its Hawaiian name, Hāhā mili‘ohu. This name means "the Cyanea that is caressed by the mist". This plant lives in the Ko‘olau Mountains on the island of O‘ahu in Hawaii.
Scientists first described this plant in 2015. Sadly, there are only about 20 adult plants left in the wild. Because of this, in 2017, it was officially listed as critically endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
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About the Hāhā mili‘ohu Plant
The Hāhā mili‘ohu plant is a unique type of Cyanea. It belongs to a group of plants found only in Hawaii. Many Cyanea plants are rare. This one is especially rare.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant has some special features that make it different from other Cyanea plants. Its leaves, leaf stems (petioles), and flowers are very fuzzy. This fuzz is called "pubescent." It's like they are covered in tiny, soft hairs.
The main stems of the plant can be a little fuzzy or smooth. It also has long parts on its flowers called calyx lobes. Another unique part is its staminal column, which is joined to the flower's petals (corolla).
Where Does It Live?
The Cyanea konahuanuiensis was discovered on a mountain called Kōnāhuanui in the Ko‘olau Mountains. This is why it was given the name konahuanuiensis. It's a way to honor the place where it was found.
Helping This Plant Survive
Because there are so few Hāhā mili‘ohu plants left, scientists are working hard to protect them. They have successfully grown new plants from seeds at the University of Hawaii. This is a big step in trying to save this rare Hawaiian plant from extinction. Growing them in a special garden, like an arboretum, helps scientists learn more about them. It also gives them a safe place to grow. This way, they can try to plant them back in the wild someday.
